Hassan Ali arrived at the federal administration building and headed straight to the reception area of a recruitment center for the Canadian Armed Forces.

Government of Canada building is shown as Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders speaks to the media in Toronto on Monday, March 14, 2016. Toronto police are looking into whether a double stabbing at a military recruitment centre could be linked to terrorist activity. Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Victor Biro

Saunders said Hassan Ali walked past a master corporal stationed at the door of the center, and when he tried to stop him, Hassan Ali immediately pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the arm. Police said he also attacked another soldier who tried to stop him, and he tried to slash at a female soldier unsuccessfully.

According to the police chief, the man shouted “Allah ordered me to do this, to come here and kill people!”

Cdn Forces Spokesperson outside scene of double-stabbing: It’s business as usual but we remain vigilant. https://t.co/3waUIuLtGk